May God bless you and your...
I knew him as a very fine harpsichordist who had a very warm and friendly personality. May his memory be a blessing.
Rob Haskins
January 01, 2026 | Friend


Berkeley, California
David Cadwallader CatesAugust 29, 1958 - November 30, 2020David Cadwallader Cates, aged 62, passed away suddenly on Monday, November 30, 2020 in Oakland California from a pulmonary embolism. David grew up in New York City, attending Buckley School in Manhattan, and later St. Paul's School in New...
Read MoreI knew him as a very fine harpsichordist who had a very warm and friendly personality. May his memory be a blessing.
Rob Haskins
January 01, 2026 | Friend
I just found out about David´s passing away after randomly googling his name. I was David´s roommate in 1977-78 at the Sherry Apts in Hyde Park while we were both attending the University of Chicago. We had a mutual friend, Andy Budwig, another music major. Easley Blackwood, composer, performer, professor also had an apartment in the building, and I met him through David. David introduced me to Thai cooking, hoisin sauce and coconut milk etc. I recall he had his piano shipped from New York,...
Edward Meil
February 10, 2025 | School
great artist surely...thank you for marvellous interpretations of BACH
LELUAN
May 18, 2024 | Other
You opened my heart in ways I didn't think were possible. I love you so much my lil guy.
Deanne
January 02, 2021 | Significant Other

I miss you, David. I'm grateful to have had you as my friend. Your passions for food and wine and music will continue to be an inspiration!
Tamara Jurson
December 16, 2020 | Friend
We were at U Chicago together and he introduced me to appreciation of good wine and great food. His enthusiasm for music was contagious! I am in shock. My prayers go out to his loved ones!
Marlene Schmidt
December 16, 2020 | Classmate
David was a friend and much-valued member of the international harpsichord community; a gifted performer, passionate collector of instruments and a generous patron. We met a few times and I was always moved by his enthusiasm and his generosity of spirit. My condolences go to all his family and friends. Vale David!
Peter Watchorn
December 16, 2020 | Friend
What a terrible loss. I have known David for many years and followed his career from consultant to executive to one of the world’s premier harpsichordist. He will be missed.
Brian Dunn
December 15, 2020 | Hampton Bays, NY | Friend
I was blessed to have known David. I remember him as being generous with his kindness, cooking, and music. He will be missed.
Jess
December 15, 2020 | Acquaintance